Cruising is a brilliant method for voyaging, a tomfoolery get-away that offers such a great amount to see and do.
The present voyage transports today resemble drifting urban areas with lots of exercises, scenes and relentless exercises, visiting mind blowing objections all through the world. A great deal to browse.
Naturally, arranging can be a piece overpowering, particularly for first-time cruisers.
1. Book off season
Cruises are more expensive at peak times like Christmas and other holidays. If you’re flexible with your time, you can save a lot.
2. Select inside or guaranteed cabins as these tend to be lower in price
For those of you who don’t plan on spending much time in your room or aren’t fussy about cabin type/location, a great option to consider.
There’s so much to do on a cruise ship that you may wonder why it’s worth spending extra for a larger room if all you’re going to do is sleep, shower, and change in there.
3. If you have specific preferences, reserve early to get the cruise and cabin type you really want
Good news, most cruise lines will let you price adjust if a better price comes along (unless the cruise is paid in full). In general, the lowest prices for a cruise tend to be when sailings are released for booking.
4. Use a good travel agent
A good travel agent can save you time and money, and if you are a first- timer cruiser, they can be quite helpful in sharing their experience and expertise, at no cost.
Even people that cruise a lot find value in a travel agent for making the entire process easier.
5. Travel agents aren’t just for cruises
Let your agent recommend and coordinate flights, hotels and transfers. If there are changes, they spend the time on the phone, not you.
Don’t hesitate to ask your travel agent for suggestions or bring up questions you may have. Odds are they’ve seen and heard it all before!
6. Check the cruise planner
This is the hub for all the information on your cruise and what is available like port times, excursions, activities etc.
The more you can pre-plan, the more time you will save later, and maybe even money.
7. Drink packages could save you money
Do you need a drink package? This is a hot topic for many. Drink package costs vary by sailing and fluctuate all the time. Have a look at current menu prices and figure out how much you think you will drink each day (keeping in mind port days and that you need to sleep).
8. Equally important can be the convenience factor of having a drink package so you don’t have to worry about running up a big bar bill later. Extras like excursions, drinks and dining packages can be canceled and rebooked if the price changes. Best of all, there’s usually no change or cancellation penalty for cancelling pre-purchased items. Check the fine print to be sure.
9. Never fly the same day your cruise departs
Plan to fly in at least a day early. This is an important one. You don’t need the added stress of delayed flights or missed connections. If you don’t arrive on time, the ship will not wait for you.
The last thing you want to do is put your entire vacation in jeopardy to save some money on a hotel room.
10. The power of the internet
Follow message boards or social media for specific sailings. A good source for tips on discounts, hotel recommendations or group activities on the cruise.
You may discover a tour that you would have never otherwise considered.
11. Take advantage of social media
Have a question for the cruise line? Try social media. Facebook and Twitter, can be a quick way to get an answer. Social media teams can get answers quickly, and without having to wait on hold.
12. Get a passport
Not required on all cruises, but if your taxi gets a flat tire and you miss the port departure, it is tough to fly home without one.
Passports do have an additional cost, but it’s a great investment in your travel future.
13. Travel insurance
A not so glamorous part of trip planning is buying insurance. No one plans to get sick or get hurt on vacation, but sadly it happens sometimes. Medical, trip interruption and cancelation are all a good idea.
Not every travel insurance policy is the same, so shop around and be certain it covers what you want it to cover.
14. Bring a water bottle
Bottled water is extra on a ship, so a reusable one can be a money saver.
Those from LARQ and Lifestraw will also clean the water, getting rid of E.coli and bacteria, helpful if you are unsure how safe the drinking water is.
15. Make copies of important documents
Passport/ID and email copies to yourself for easy access.
While copies won’t be acceptable by government officials, it may help if you were to lose the originals.
16. Download the cruise app before hand
Your cruise line app is a great source of info and is often used for booking activities onboard.
Be sure to download the app while at home because it may take much longer to download the app from the ship’s wifi.
17. Check what you cannot bring
Have a look at the cruise line’s suggested packing list along with prohibited items.
Power strips, electrical cords and baby monitors are all on the no-go list.
18. Pack medication you need
Bring sea sickness /other important meds with you. Drug store supplies are limited on the ships.
Be sure to pack more than you need, just in case you are delayed getting home.
19. Leave new shoes at home
Don’t bring brand new shoes. Never a good idea to break in a new pair of shoes on a vacation.
20. Packing cubes
Chronic over packer ? Many people swear by packing cubes for efficiency.
Rolling clothes is a space saver as well.
